PLAINFIELD — State Senator Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant (D-Shorewood) is excited to announce libraries in the 49th State Senate District will receive more than $550,000 in technological enhancement grants.

The libraries were awarded grants through the Secretary of State's Public Library Per Capita Grants Program.

The program was established to help public libraries improve and increase library services within their service areas. Grant amounts of up to $1.25 per person served are available annually to all local Illinois public libraries.

"Our public libraries serve as a gateway for learning," Bertino-Tarrant said. "This grant will support our libraries’ mission to expand and upgrade educational opportunities for residents across Will County."

The grant money will help fund library expenses such as materials, personnel, equipment, electronic access, telecommunications and technology, and will help public libraries with a low library tax base.

Public libraries typically have a long history in their community. According to a 2015 Pew survey, almost two thirds of adult Americans say that closing their local library would have a major impact on their community. As Pew found, over 90 percent of adults think of public libraries as “welcoming and friendly places,” and about half have visited or otherwise used a public library in the last 12 months.

"This new grant opportunity will expand access and assistance to guarantee residents have a predictable and productive environment to learn," Bertino-Tarrant said.